Overview
Mission
The mission of the SIU Plastic Surgery Residency Program is to provide the education and training for graduates to practice plastic surgery at the highest levels of quality and safety by allowing for the acquisition of knowledge, surgical skill, and research experience with appropriate mentorship and support from the faculty and the institution. The program works to promote a culture of excellence, respect, and compassion while serving the central and southern parts of the State of Illinois, including under-served rural populations.
SIU’s Institute for Plastic Surgery is an integrated plastic surgery training program that is designed to give residents a diverse experience in plastic surgery and its subspecialty areas. Plastic surgeons combine the use of key surgical principles with creativity to solve problems. Here at SIU, the Plastic Surgery team performs a broad range of procedures from head to toe including both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
If you are a medical student who believes you might be interested in Plastic Surgery, we encourage you to reach out to our program coordinator, our faculty, and our residents and ask questions. We are happy to help you in this journey through exposure to the field of plastic surgery, involvement in research opportunities, and answering questions about the path to plastic surgery residency.
Applying to Plastic Surgery Residency
The SIU Plastic Surgery Residency Program participates in the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA) and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). All applications must be submitted through PSCA. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding applications to our program.
Two positions per year are filled in a 6-year integrated program.
We highly value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the process of resident selection. We currently work with a diverse group of residents, and we are happy to discuss this topic during our interview process.
We require applicants to have taken Step 2 prior to application. It is generally recommended that at least 3 of your letters of recommendation are from surgeons, particularly plastic surgeons. We comply with the standard letter of recommendation form used for NRMP plastic surgery match produced by ACAPS, which is found on the ACAPS website.
SIU’s Plastic Surgery program requires a secondary application which applicants are invited to submit after the PSCA application and all letters of recommendation are received. The cohesion of the residents with each other as well as with the faculty and the community are what make this program incredibly unique. Please take the time to fill this out thoughtfully and completely. We would not ask this of you, during a very busy time, if we did not believe it to be critical.
Yes, We only consider applicants within 3 years of graduation from medical school. This will be taken into consideration when reviewing applications.
All foreign graduates should submit a copy of your ECFMG certificate. SIU School of Medicine accepts J-1 Visa’s only. In order for you to be considered for an interview, all of the required information must be submitted by the designated deadline. More information.
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 (social) & Wednesday, December 20, 2023 (interview)
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 (social) & Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (interview)
All interview offers will be sent on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Applicants and programs may not be scheduled for an interview until Monday, November 13, 2023 at 8:00am PST (10:00am CST) per ACAPS guidelines.
We recommend that those interested in applying to SIU’s Plastic Surgery Residency Program apply to participate in our 2-4 week Sub-Internship. Participating in a Sub-Internship demonstrates your interest in our program and gives you a chance to get to know and work with us. For students interested in participating in an away rotation, please visit the Visiting Student page.
Plastic Surgery Curriculum
The residency in plastic surgery at SIU is a comprehensive, six-year educational program that encompasses all of the major surgical disciplines. Its goal is to prepare the graduate for the practice of plastic surgery or fellowship training in one of the surgical subspecialties. The program seeks to provide a strong foundation in the clinical discipline of surgery in a setting of educational excellence and scholarship. The program has a nationally recognized heritage of outstanding achievement and leadership in these regards, under the founding guidance of Dr. Elvin Zook.
Partnering Hospitals
PGY 4-5 residents will spend 6 weeks learning pediatric plastic surgery at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. During this time, they will develop their skills working in the OR and learning techniques in cleft lip & palate surgery. They will also learn the management of patients within a multi-disciplinary craniofacial team. Cases are selected on the basis of educational value and to round out the resident's surgical experience. The SIU program covers lodging expenses during this rotation.
GOALS:
- Acquire expertise in the pre and postoperative management of the broad range of pediatric plastic surgery including familiarity with pediatric dosing regimens, cleft lip and palate, craniofacial syndromes, congenital hand surgery, traumatic injuries in children, congenital nevi, congenital breast anomalies, deformities of the ear, vascular malformations, reconstruction of wound problems with myelomeningocele spinal fusion, pediatric airway problems.
- Acquire surgical expertise in cleft lip and palate, craniofacial syndromes, pediatric hand surgery, maxillofacial and pediatric trauma, congenital skin and vascular anomalies, deformities of the ear, and reconstruction of ablative defects after excisional surgery and the special problems that arise in children.
Resident Benefits
See the SIU Office Of Graduate Medical Education's overview of resident benefits. SIU residents are employed by either Springfield Memorial Hospital or HSHS St. John’s Hospital, and are provided benefits through their employing hospital.
Beyond the basics:
- Onsite parking provided free of charge
- Meals available in both Springfield hospitals free of charge
- Custom embroidered white coats
- Stipend for surgical loupes (up to $1,000)
- Family leave for qualifying events
- Funding to attend professional conferences
For medical students
Find out more about the Tracey Meares Representation Matters Award for a 4th year medical student interested in a visiting student rotation.
Research
Consistent with its history and mission, there is a very strong tradition of and opportunity for educational research within the division of plastic surgery. All residents are required to undertake quality improvement research at the PGY I and II level. Residents have been involved in a number of outcomes and translational research projects, and opportunities to collaborate with educational, translational, and basic scientists through other departments within the School of Medicine are also available for the interested resident.
Carrie Harrison
Program Director
Department of Surgery Research
Michelle Randle
Laboratory Coordinator
Plastic Surgery Research
Melanie Bedolli
Researcher
Plastic Surgery Research
Get in touch
Naya Jackson, Residency Program Administrator
Email: njackson31@siumed.edu
Applicants should follow our program's social media pages for information on daily occurrences here at SIU.